Photo courtesy of ASU Model UN Team
Preparing for international relations or simply stating an informed opinion at a community forum, Adams State University Model United Nations students have opportunities to learn debate, public speaking, writing, critical thinking, research, team building, and negotiating, on the international stage.
The ASU MUN Team recently attended the London International Model United Nations Conference, held from February 20 through February 27. Sean Erice, Adams State Class of 2019, received a LIMUN Diplomacy Award, given to those who embrace the principles of cooperation and dialogue throughout the diplomatic exercise that leads to the adoption of a resolution. “In that moment I was proud to represent Adams State University and the tools it had given me to succeed.”
During the Model UN international debates, team members are arbitrarily given a role and country to research and then defend. Erice’s committee, UN Women, competed against 43 other delegates, debating Sustainable Economic Development by the Empowering of Women. Erice represented Brazil on the committee.
Hearing his name called for the award, Erice said, “after the initial shock value wore off I felt like the work I did matter. I was overwhelmed with joy and happiness and excited I won an award at my last Model UN Conference.”
Adams State Model United Nations promotes diplomacy and global awareness, helps students understand the dynamics of international relations, as well as improves debate and public speaking skills.
President Mariah McDermott, a junior political science and international business major, said members have been preparing since November for the committees. Students who attended the international competition include McDermott, MUN Secretary Tiffany Sherman, MUN Treasurer Destiny Comstock, Joshua Clark, Sean Erice, Hubert Price, Alamosa High School concurrent enrollment student Nicolas Centeno, and MUN Advisor Mari Centeno, Ph.D. professor of political science.
Along with attending and competing at LIMUN, the Adams State students visited historical sites, including the London Museum. “Overall our Model UN Trip to London this year was absolutely amazing,” Erice said.
